32 Weeks

Hard to believe that in about 8 weeks we will have two kids! I wasn't really letting myself think about getting ready for this baby until after we were past the Christmas rush, so now I feel like it's crept up on me!

I had my 32 week appointment yesterday...blood pressure's good, baby looks good, measuring at 33 cms or 33 weeks. (So far no "big baby" threats against my VBAC attempt.) :)

I was also able to sign up for doula services with Community yesterday, which I'm very excited about. My doula likely will be a lady named Charity who has had a successful VBAC herself...at home in fact! (Don't worry, I won't be attempting that!)

The nesting bug has started, which is a good thing in my opinion...otherwise I might not get everything done!

Last Sunday, I pulled out all the neutral baby clothes, the girl clothes that I bought off of Craigslist and other baby items (sheets, burpies, changing table covers, pack n play sheets, play mats, car seat covers) that Brendan used. Got them all washed (5 loads!) and for the most part put away. Baby Bug's dresser now has some clean clothes neatly folded in it. I even have some cute outfits/dresses hanging in her closet. I got all the bins in the nursery filled with clean burpies, sheets, boppy covers, etc. I have some newborn clothes that will go in our room, underneath the co-sleeper once we make room for that in our room.

Now that Brendan's moved into his Big Boy room, we can start re-painting the nursery and setting that up. That will likely be my big project for next weekend!

I cleaned out a kitchen cabinet for baby bottles, formula, etc. I plan to try breastfeeding again, but I know that there is no way I can exclusively pump this time around, so it's all or nothing! :) So, I'm preparing for formula feeding, but hope to be pleasantly surprised.

As far as this pregnancy goes...it's been so different. I kept meaning to write more about it as I don't think that I wrote enough about my pregnancy with Brendan.
As far a good things, (which I hesitate to post for fear of jinxing myself...) no swelling - I am still wearing my rings, which I know that I was not able to do with Brendan as early as Christmas, no stretch marks, my weight gain has stayed in check - only 23 pounds as of now - which is good for me.
I think that this baby is much more active or positioned such that I feel much more of her movements. Some of her kicks are almost painful and often times it seems my whole belly moves!

Bad things, I've had more BH contractions, which is likely just a side effect of being a second pregnancy and not being able to rest as much with a toddler at home. Back pain - the last 2 weeks or so my pain has been minimal, but it has returned today with a vengeance. (I went to my physical therapy appointment yesterday and my back/pelvis was perfectly in line, which is why I wasn't having really any pain. Now of course one day at home with Brendan while Chris is at work and I'm back to square one.) I think that I am more exhausted this time around, even with working less. I also have less of an appetite this pregnancy, which is probably why I'm not gaining as much weight...some things just don't taste right or good to me. Unfortunately, ice cream still does...my weakness. :)
Lately, I have been very, very dizzy/lightheaded. I haven't passed out, thank goodness, as that would be embarrassing. :) But I often feel close to it and am no longer able to stand and talk to patients or families while at work...I have to find a chair to sit in or at a minimum, lean against a wall. Dr. E. says that this can be normal in the 3rd trimester, but I'm to keep any eye on it.

Many people have asked if we are done after this pregnancy...we'll have a boy & a girl. I honestly don't know. I always thought that I'd have three children. I love the idea of pregnancy and deep down, I do enjoy being pregnant - despite being very uncomfortable at times. However, this has been hard on me physically. IF we do have a 3rd baby, I don't think that they will be only 2 years apart. Also if we have a third, I'd really like to have the gender be a surprise, which will be hard, but so exciting at the same time. So, I guess time will tell3